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{{Infobox military person |
{{Infobox military person |
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|name=Fritz Witt |
|name=Fritz Witt |
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|branch=[[File:Flag Schutzstaffel.svg|23px]] [[Waffen-SS]] |
|branch=[[File:Flag Schutzstaffel.svg|23px]] [[Waffen-SS]] |
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|serviceyears=1933–44 |
|serviceyears=1933–44 |
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|rank=[[File:SS-Brigadeführer Collar Rank.svg|40px]] [[Brigadeführer]] |
|rank=[[File:SS-Brigadeführer Collar Rank.svg|40px]] [[Brigadeführer]] and [[Generalmajor]] of the Waffen-SS |
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|servicenumber=[[NSDAP]] #816,769<br/>[[SS]] #21,518 |
|servicenumber=[[NSDAP]] #816,769<br/>[[SS]] #21,518 |
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|commands=[[File:12SSHJinsig.svg|21px]] [[12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend]] |
|commands=[[File:12SSHJinsig.svg|21px]] [[12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend]] |
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|laterwork=}} |
|laterwork=}} |
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'''Fritz Witt''' (27 May 1908 – 14 June 1944) was a [[Germany|German]] [[ |
'''Fritz Witt''' (27 May 1908 – 14 June 1944) was a [[Germany|German]] general in the [[Waffen-SS]], the armed [[paramilitary]] branch of the [[Nazi Party]]'s ''Schutzstaffel'' (SS). He served with the [[Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler|1.SS-Panzergrenadier-Division ''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'']] before taking command of the [[12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend|12.SS-Panzer-Division ''Hitlerjugend'']]. Witt obtained the rank of ''[[Brigadeführer]] und [[Generalmajor]] der [[Waffen-SS]]''. He was killed in action in 1944. |
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==Early life – Pre-war SS service== |
==Early life – Pre-war SS service== |
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Witt was born on 27 May 1908 in [[Hagen-Hohenlimburg|Hohenlimburg]], a suburb of the city of [[Hagen]]. Witt's family was middle class, his father being employed as a [[textiles]] salesman. After attending school Witt followed his father's trade, working as a textiles salesman from 1925 until 1931. During this period of time, he witnessed the rise of [[Adolf Hitler]] and the [[NSDAP]], becoming a strong supporter. Witt saw the Nazis as the answer to the chaos and poverty of the [[Weimar Republic]]. On 1 December 1931, Witt applied to join both the NSDAP (Nr. 816,769) and the SS (Nr. 21,518). On 17 March 1933, Witt was admitted to the [[Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler|SS-Stabswache ''Berlin'']], an élite guard formation of only 117 men. On 1 October 1933, Witt received his commission as an SS-Untersturmführer. |
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In On 9 May 1934, Witt was promoted to SS-Obersturmführer, and soon after took command of the third company of SS-Standartenführer [[Felix Steiner|Felix Steiner's]] |
In On 9 May 1934, Witt was promoted to SS-Obersturmführer, and soon after took command of the third company of SS-Standartenführer [[Felix Steiner|Felix Steiner's]] SS-Standarte ''Deutschland'', one of the then-three Standarten which comprised the [[SS-Verfügungstruppe]] (SS-VT). The other Standarten were the [[Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler|Leibstandarte SS ''Adolf Hitler'']], SS-Standarte ''Germania'' and (from 1938) SS-Standarte ''Der Führer''). In October 1938, the SS-VT was subordinated to [[Wehrmacht|Heer]] command, stepping closer to its future combat role. |
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Witt's unit, 3./SS-Standarte ''Deutschland'', marched into [[Austria]] as part of the ''[[Anschluß]]'' in 1938. After this, the Standarte was motorised. The ''Deutschland'' now took part in the occupation of the [[Sudetenland#Sudetenland becomes part of the Third Reich|Sudetenland]]. In March 1939, Witt served with the Standarte during the annexation of [[Bohemia]] and [[Moravia]]. Later, the SS-Standarten were deployed for action during the planned offensive, ''[[Fall Weiss (1939)|Fall Weiß]]''. |
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Witt's SS-Standarte (mot) ''Deutschland'' was subordinated to [[German Panzer Division Kempf|Panzer-Verband ''Kempf'']], based in East Prussia. |
Witt's SS-Standarte (mot) ''Deutschland'' was subordinated to [[German Panzer Division Kempf|Panzer-Verband ''Kempf'']], based in East Prussia. |
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==Early war campaigns== |
==Early war campaigns== |
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On 1 September 1939, the |
On 1 September 1939, at the outbreak of the [[Second World War]], Witt was in command of the 3./SS-Standarte ''Deutschland''. His unit participated in the [[Invasion of Poland (1939)|Invasion of Poland]]. For personal bravery in combat, Witt was awarded both the first and second classes of the [[Iron Cross]]. By October 1939, Witt had attained a rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer and was placed in command of I.Battalion of the ''Deutschland'', redesignated SS-Infanterie-Regiment (mot) ''Deutschland''. In the same month, the SS-Verfügungs-Division was formed and placed under the command of SS-Gruppenführer [[Paul Hausser]]. |
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Witt led his battalion through the [[Fall Gelb|Invasion of France]]. For his actions during the campaign, Witt was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] ({{Lang|de|''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes''}}) on 4 September 1940. On 16 October, Witt was transferred to the [[Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler|Infanterie-Regiment (mot.) ''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'']], where he took command of III. Battalion. |
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By October 1939, Witt had attained a rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer and was placed in command of I.Battalion of the ''Deutschland'', redesignated SS-Infanterie-Regiment (mot) ''Deutschland''. In the same month, the SS-Verfügungs-Division was formed and placed under the command of SS-Gruppenführer [[Paul Hausser]]. |
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Witt led his battalion through the [[Fall Gelb|Invasion of France]], again showing bravery and skill commanding his unit. On 27 May 1940, 20 British [[Matilda II|Matilda]] tanks attacked Witt's battalion. Despite the fact that Witt's unit had no anti-tank weapons, Witt rallied his battalion and they held, destroying nine of the British tanks with grenades and other improvised methods. In Hausser's post battle report, he said of Witt's actions: |
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:''The opinion of the Regimental commander, describing him as the soul of the resistance, must be stressed. Witt is the model of the young leader, never retreating in the face of anything'' |
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For his actions repulsing the armoured attack, Witt was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]], which he received on 4 September 1940. |
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On 16 October, Witt was transferred to the [[Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler|Infanterie-Regiment (mot.) ''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'']], where he took command of III. Battalion. |
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==Balkans – Barbarossa== |
==Balkans – Barbarossa== |
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Witt |
Witt was transferred to command of the ''Leibstandarte'''s I.Battalion on 26 March 1941. The ''Leibstandarte'' was poised to take place in [[Operation Marita]], the invasion of the [[Balkans]] and [[Greece]]. |
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On 10 April, Witt's battalion was reinforced with artillery and a battery of [[88 mm gun|88mm Flak 18s]] and renamed ''[[Kampfgruppe]] Witt''. The unit was given the task of clearing resistance from the [[Klidi Pass]], just south of [[Vevi]] and opening the way to the heart of [[Greece]]. The pass was defended by a hastily-assembled [[Australia]]n-[[United Kingdom|British]]-[[New Zealand]]-Greek force, under an Australian, Maj. Gen. [[Iven Giffard Mackay|Iven Mackay]]. Witt's men were [[Battle of Vevi (World War II)|engaged in heavy fighting for three days]] before the pass fell. Witt's brother, Franz Witt, fell in the fighting. Witt's battalion had inflicted many casualties and captured over 520 prisoners for the loss of only 37 dead and 95 wounded. |
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On 10 April, Witt's battalion was reinforced with artillery and a battery of [[88 mm gun|88mm Flak 18s]] and renamed ''[[Kampfgruppe]] Witt''. The unit was given the task of clearing resistance from the Klidi Pass, just south of [[Vevi]] and opening the way to the heart of [[Greece]]. The pass was defended by a hastily-assembled [[Australia]]n-[[United Kingdom|British]]-[[New Zealand]]-Greek force, under an Australian, Maj. Gen. [[Iven Giffard Mackay|Iven Mackay]]. Witt's unit was [[Battle of Vevi (World War II)|engaged in heavy fighting for three days]] before the pass fell. Witt's brother, Franz Witt, fell in the fighting. |
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After the conclusion of the Balkan campaign Witt remained in command of I.Battalion. The ''Leibstandarte'', now upgraded to a division, was to take part in the advance into Russia as a part of [[Army Group South]]. |
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Witt's Battalion was first committed to action in August 1941, when the division was transferred to [[1st Panzer Group|Panzergruppe 1]], engaged in the encirclement |
After the conclusion of the Balkan campaign Witt remained in command of I.Battalion. The ''Leibstandarte'', now upgraded to a division, was to take part in the advance into Russia as a part of [[Army Group South]]. Witt's Battalion was first committed to action in August 1941, when the division was transferred to [[1st Panzer Group|Panzergruppe 1]], and engaged in the encirclement battles near [[Kiev]]. |
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Witt's unit now moved south, to join the |
Witt's unit now moved south, to join the German 54th Army Corps. On 17 September 1941, the ''Leibstandarte'' participated in the offensive to clear the [[Crimea|Crimean Peninsula]]. Witt's battalion took part in the fighting for the town of [[Perekop]], and the later advance across the [[Perekop Isthmus]] and the assaults on the Soviet defensive positions near the Tartar Ditch. |
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In November, the ''Leibstandarte'' was transferred back to Panzergruppe 1 and took part in the heavy fighting for the city of [[Rostov |
In November, the ''Leibstandarte'' was transferred back to Panzergruppe 1 and took part in the heavy fighting for the city of [[Rostov-on-Don]]. Soviet counterattacks during the winter caused the Germans to fall back to defensive lines on the river [[Mius]]. Witt's battalion was engaged in several rearguard actions. On 8 February 1942, Witt was awarded the [[German Cross]] in Gold ({{Lang|de|''Deutsches Kreuz in Gold''}}) for his bravery during the Rostov battles. |
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==Paris – Kharkov== |
==Paris – Kharkov== |
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In the early months of 1942, Witt's battalion continued defensive actions along the Mius. In May 1942, the division went back on the offensive and Witt's battalion was again committed to action in the recapture of Rostov |
In the early months of 1942, Witt's battalion continued defensive actions along the Mius. In May 1942, the division went back on the offensive and Witt's battalion was again committed to action in the recapture of Rostov-on-Don. The city fell after over a month's heavy fighting and the division was ordered back to [[France]] to rest and refit. In July 1942 Witt was awarded the [[Steaua României|Order of the Star of Romania]], Officer Class with Swords on the Ribbon of Military Virtue, and the [[Bulgaria]]n Military Order for Bravery in War 4th Class, 1st Grade. |
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The ''Leibstandarte'' was to be reformed as a [[Panzergrenadier]] division. For refitting and training, the division was ordered to the [[Normandy]] area in Northern France |
The ''Leibstandarte'' was to be reformed as a [[Panzergrenadier]] division. For refitting and training, the division was ordered to the [[Normandy]] area in Northern France. In August, Witt was promoted to SS-Standartenführer and given command of the ''Leibstandarte's'' 1st SS Panzergrenadier Regiment. Witt and the division spent the remainder of 1942 resting and refitting in France. |
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In January 1943, the reformed SS Panzergrenadier Division ''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'' |
In January 1943, the reformed SS Panzergrenadier Division ''Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'', together with the [[2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich|SS Panzergrenadier Division ''Das Reich'']] and the [[3rd SS Division Totenkopf|SS Panzergrenadier Division ''Totenkopf'']], was formed into the [[II SS Panzer Corps|SS Panzer Corps]]. The SS Panzer Corps, commanded by Paul Hausser, was sent east to [[Kharkov]] to join [[Erich von Manstein|Erich von Manstein's]] [[Army Group Don]] which was attempting to halt the Soviet advance after the [[6th Army (Wehrmacht)|6th Army]]'s defeat in the [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. |
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Witt's 1st SS Panzergrenadier Regiment was stationed in the outskirts of Kharkov, and in early February engaged the Soviet Mobile Group Popov. At the town of [[Merefa]], Witt's regiment, fighting alongside 1st Battalion/1st SS Panzer Regiment, fought a delaying action on 8–9 February. Fearing encirclement, Hausser authorised a full withdrawal from Kharkov. |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Witt and Max Wünsche.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Kharkov, March 1943. Witt discusses the next move of his Kampfgruppe with ''LSSAH'' Panzer-Regiment commander Max Wünsche|{{Deletable image-caption|1=Tuesday, 17 March 2009|date=May 2012}}]] --> |
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In early March, Witt's regiment took part in the [[Third Battle of Kharkov]]. Witt's force was reinforced with tanks, artillery and assault guns, and was given the task of attacking from the north. The force, renamed Kampfgruppe Witt, was to form one of three pincers against Mobile Group Popov and to participate in the recapture of Kharkov. |
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Witt's 1st SS Panzergrenadier Regiment was stationed in the outskirts of Kharkov, and in early February saw heavy fighting against the forces of the Soviet [[Mobile Group Popov]]. At the town of [[Merefa]], Witt's regiment, fighting alongside SS-Sturmbannführer [[Max Wünsche|Max Wünsche's]] 1st Battalion/1st SS Panzer Regiment, fought a bitter delaying action on 8–9 February. Although severely outnumbered, Witt and Wünsche halted the spearhead of Mobile Group Popov, inflicting heavy losses on the Soviets. Despite these actions, the Soviets were still advancing on the SS Panzer Corps' flanks. Fearing encirclement, Hausser disobeyed Hitler's orders and authorised a full withdrawal from Kharkov. |
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The attack got underway on 2 March, and by 10 March Witt's unit reached the suburbs of Kharkov. By 16 March, Kharkov was retaken. The division was pulled back to rest and refit. For his actions, Witt was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]] ({{Lang|de|''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub''}}) and promoted to the rank ''SS-Oberführer''. |
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In early March, Witt's regiment now took part in the [[Third Battle of Kharkov]]. Witt's force was reinforced with tanks, artillery and assault guns, and was given the task of attacking from the North. The force, renamed Kampfgruppe Witt, was to form one of three pincers which would destroy Mobile Group Popov and recapture Kharkov. |
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The attack got underway on 2 March, and by 10 March KG Witt had reached the suburbs of Kharkov. After ferocious fighting near [[Dergatschi]], Witt broke through and advanced into the city centre, fighting alongside [[Kurt Meyer (Panzermeyer)|Kurt Meyer's]] Kampfgruppe Meyer. Over the next few days, the Kampfgruppes of Witt and Meyers' saw intense fighting, and were cut off several times inside the city. Despite this, they held and Kampfgruppe Peiper under [[Joachim Peiper]] reached them and together the three ''Leibstandarte'' units annihilated the Soviet defenders. |
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By 16 March, the battle was over, with Kharkov retaken. In honour of the 4,500 casualties suffered by the Leibstandarte in the severe fighting, Kharkov's Red Square was renamed ''Platz der Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler''. The division was pulled back for much needed rest and refit. For his actions in leading his Kampfgruppe, Witt was awarded the Oakleaves to the Knight's Cross and promoted to the rank ''SS-Oberführer''. |
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==Hitlerjugend command== |
==Hitlerjugend command== |
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In February 1943, the SS had begun formation of a new Waffen-SS division composed primarily from [[Hitler Youth]] members born in 1926. The division was designated [[12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend|12th SS Panzer Division ''Hitlerjugend'']]. To provide officers for this new division, a number of |
In February 1943, the SS had begun formation of a new Waffen-SS division composed primarily from [[Hitler Youth]] members born in 1926. The division was designated [[12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend|12th SS Panzer Division ''Hitlerjugend'']]. To provide officers for this new division, a number of ''Leibstandarte'' officers and NCOs were transferred, including Witt. On 1 July 1943, Witt was promoted to SS-Oberführer, and at the end of the month he was officially given command of the ''Hitlerjugend'' division. Witt took over the divisional command at Beverloo in occupied [[Belgium]] and oversaw the formation and training of a new SS Panzer Division. |
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In January 1944, Witt's new command was the subject of a major scandal. Early in the month, SS-Untersturmführer Wilifred Murr, a junior officer in ''SS-Sturmbannführer'' [[Erich Olboeter|Erich Olboeter's]] 12th SS Reconnaissance Battalion had, in a drunken state, raped a 15-year-old Belgian girl after threatening her parents with his pistol. Murr was the son of Wilhelm Murr, [[Gauleiter]] of [[Stuttgart]]. Olboeter heard of the incident, and along with ''SS-Sturmbannführer'' Dr. [[Eberhard Denzel]], the division's legal officer, visited Murr in his room and persuaded him that he should make use of his pistol to avoid embarrassing his family. As soon as the officers had left, Murr did so. Murr's father soon heard details of what had happened, and, enraged, wrote to [[Martin Bormann]] demanding an investigation. |
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In the resulting investigation, Olboeter was demoted and transferred to command of the 3rd Battalion of the 26th SS Panzergrenadier Regiment. He was replaced by ''SS-Hauptsturmführer'' [[Gerhard Bremer|Gerd Bremer]] and Dr. Denzel was demoted to ''SS-Schütze'' and sent to serve with the [[3rd SS Division Totenkopf|3rd SS Panzer Division ''Totenkopf's'']] 6th SS Panzergrenadier Regiment. |
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In March 1944, [[Oberbefehlshaber West|OB West]], ''Generalfeldmarschall'' [[Gerd von Rundstedt]] and [[I SS Panzer Corps]] commander SS-Obergruppenführer [[Josef Dietrich]] visited the division's training grounds. Based on the results of the inspection, they deemed the division to be combat ready soon and ordered its transfer to Normandy where the division was to join [[5th Panzer Army|Panzergruppe West]], Rundstedt's armoured reserve. |
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On 20 April 1944, Witt was promoted to ''SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der SS''. Witt continued training exercises for his division, allowing his troops to familiarise themselves with the terrain around [[Caen]] |
On 20 April 1944, Witt was promoted to ''SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der SS''. Witt continued training exercises for his division, allowing his troops to familiarise themselves with the terrain around [[Caen]]. On 2 June, ''Hitlerjugend'' division was ready for combat. |
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==Normandy invasion== |
==Normandy invasion== |
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On 6 June 1944, the [[Allies of World War II|Western Allies]] launched [[Operation Overlord]], the invasion of Normandy. Witt's Division, along with the [[21st Panzer Division (Wehrmacht)|21st Panzer Division]], was the closest armoured unit to the landing beaches. |
On 6 June 1944, the [[Allies of World War II|Western Allies]] launched [[Operation Overlord]], the invasion of Normandy. Witt's Division, along with the [[21st Panzer Division (Wehrmacht)|21st Panzer Division]], was the closest armoured unit to the landing beaches. Because the unit had to wait for Hitler's personal authorisation, it did not move out until 14:30 on 6 June. The division's advance to the areas near [[Sword Beach|Sword]] and [[Juno Beach]]es proceeded slowly due to the Allied air attacks. Witt ordered his division to form up north of Caen, defending the city and the [[Carpiquet]] Aerodrome. |
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On 7 June, 25th SS Panzergrenadier Regiment, along with the 2nd Battalion from 12th SS Panzer Regiment, attacked the advancing 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. The 12th SS fell short of their objective, which was to push back the allies to the sea, but they did delay the Allied advance north of Caen. |
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On 14 June, a British naval barrage hit the divisional command post in Venoix, killing Witt instantly. Witt was buried with full military honours at [[Champigny-la-Futelaye|Champigny]]—[[Saint-André-de-l'Eure]] in [[France]]. |
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On 8 June, the 26th SS Panzergrenadier Regiment under command of SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer [[Wilhelm Mohnke]] arrived and took up positions to the west of Meyer. Upon arrival, the regiment launched an attack towards [[Norrey-en-Bessin]], capturing the vital village. The 12th SS Reconnaissance Battalion, under the command of SS-Sturmbannführer Gerd Bremer deployed to the west of Mohnke's regiment, and by the evening of 8 June the division was in position to halt the allied advance on Caen. Witt visited the front frequently, working hard to provide all the support he could to his subordinates. He set up his command post at the village of [[Venoix]], close to the front lines. |
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Over the next week, Witt's division managed to hold the line above Caen despite incessant determined attacks and constant air, artillery and naval bombardments. The HJ inflicted devastating losses on the British and Canadian forces, the training which Witt had developed maintaining his unit's morale and fighting ability. However, Witt himself was not immune from the unrelenting Anglo-Canadian attacks. |
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On 14 June, a British naval barrage hit the divisional command post in Venoix. During the naval barrage, Witt made sure the soldiers at the command post all took cover in a slit trench adjacent to the building. Only after all of his men were safe did Witt jump for the protection of the slit trench, but in the process was hit in the head by shrapnel from an exploding shell, dying instantly. His comrades in the 12. SS-Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend" and his former 1. SS-Panzer Division comrades mourned the loss of their longtime commander and leader. The 33-year-old "Leibstandarte" veteran Kurt Meyer was ordered to take command of the "Hitlerjugend" Panzer Division in his place. |
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Witt was buried with full military honours at [[Champigny-la-Futelaye|Champigny]]—[[Saint-André-de-l'Eure]] in [[France]]. |
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==Summary of SS career== |
==Summary of SS career== |
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{{unreferenced section|date = February 2009}} |
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===Dates of rank=== |
===Dates of rank=== |
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{| style="background:none;" |
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* SS-[[Obersturmführer]]: May 9, 1934 |
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| 9 May 1934: || SS-''[[Obersturmführer]]'' |
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* SS-[[Hauptsturmführer]]: June 1, 1935 |
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|- |
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* SS-[[Sturmbannführer]]: May 25, 1940 |
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| 1 June 1935: || SS-''[[Hauptsturmführer]]''{{sfn|Stockert|1997|p=389}} |
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* SS-[[Obersturmbannführer]]: November 27, 1941 |
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|- |
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* SS-[[Standartenführer]]: January 30, 1943 |
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| 17 May 1940: || SS-''[[Sturmbannführer]]''{{sfn|Stockert|1997|p=390}} |
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* SS-[[Oberführer]]: July 1, 1943 |
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|- |
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* SS-[[Brigadeführer]] und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS: April 20, 1944 |
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| 27 November 1941: || SS-''[[Obersturmbannführer]]''{{sfn|Stockert|1997|p=392}} |
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|- |
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| 30 January 1943: || SS-''[[Standartenführer]]''{{sfn|Stockert|1997|p=392}} |
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|- |
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| 1 July 1943: || SS-''[[Oberführer]]''{{sfn|Stockert|1997|p=394}} |
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|- |
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| 20 April 1944: || SS-''[[Brigadeführer]]'' and ''[[Generalmajor]]'' of the Waffen-SS{{sfn|Stockert|1997|p=395}} |
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|} |
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=== |
===Decorations=== |
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* [[Iron Cross]] (1939) |
* [[Iron Cross]] (1939) |
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** 2nd Class (17 September 1939) |
** 2nd Class (17 September 1939){{sfn|Thomas|1998|p=450}} |
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** 1st Class (26 September 1939) |
** 1st Class (26 September 1939){{sfn|Thomas|1998|p=450}} |
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* [[German Cross]] in Gold on 8 February 1942 as SS-''[[Obersturmbannführer]]'' in the SS-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" |
* [[German Cross]] in Gold on 8 February 1942 as SS-''[[Obersturmbannführer]]'' in the SS-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"{{sfn|Patzwall|Scherzer|2001|p=518}} |
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* [[Eastern Front Medal]] (1942) |
* [[Eastern Front Medal]] (1942) |
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* [[Totenkopfring|SS-Honour Ring]] (?) |
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* [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]] |
* [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]] |
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** Knight's Cross on 4 September 1940 as SS-''[[Sturmbannführer]]'' and commander of the I./SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Deutschland" |
** Knight's Cross on 4 September 1940 as SS-''[[Sturmbannführer]]'' and commander of the I./SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Deutschland"{{sfn|Fellgiebel|2000|p=449}}{{sfn|Von Seemen|1976|p=362}}{{refn|1=According to Scherzer as commander of the I./SS-Standarte "Deutschland".{{sfn|Scherzer|2007|p=791}}|group="Note"}} |
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** 200th Oak Leaves on 1 March 1943 as SS-''[[Standartenführer]]'' and commander of SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" |
** 200th Oak Leaves on 1 March 1943 as SS-''[[Standartenführer]]'' and commander of SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"{{sfn|Scherzer|2007|p=791}}{{sfn|Fellgiebel|2000|p=66}}{{sfn|Von Seemen|1976|p=33}} |
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* [[Waffen-SS Long Service Award]] (1941) |
* [[Waffen-SS Long Service Award]] (1941) |
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* [[Steaua Romaniei]] (1943) |
* [[Steaua Romaniei]] (1943) |
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* [[Honour Chevron for the Old Guard]] (?) Joined the SS and NSAP in 1931 |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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Line 150: | Line 132: | ||
|publisher=Podzun-Pallas |
|publisher=Podzun-Pallas |
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|isbn=978-3-7909-0284-6 |
|isbn=978-3-7909-0284-6 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
}} |
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* {{Cite book |
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|last=Krätschmer |
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|first=Ernst-Günther |
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|year=1999 |
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|title=Die Ritterkreuzträger der Waffen-SS |
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|trans_title=The Knight's Cross Bearers of the Waffen-SS |
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|location=Coburg, Germany |
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|publisher=[[Nation und Europa|Nation Europa Verlag]] |
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|isbn=978-3-920677-43-9 |
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}} |
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* Lehmann, Rudolf – The Leibstandarte volumes I-III |
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* Meyer, Hubert – The History of the 12.SS-Panzerdivision "Hitlerjugend" |
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* Miller, Michael D., Schulz, Andreas – The SS-Brigadeführer, 1933–1945 |
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* {{Cite book |
* {{Cite book |
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|last1=Patzwall |
|last1=Patzwall |
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Line 176: | Line 146: | ||
|publisher=Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall |
|publisher=Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall |
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|isbn=978-3-931533-45-8 |
|isbn=978-3-931533-45-8 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
}} |
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* {{Cite book |
* {{Cite book |
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Line 187: | Line 158: | ||
|publisher=Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag |
|publisher=Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag |
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|isbn=978-3-938845-17-2 |
|isbn=978-3-938845-17-2 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
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* {{Cite book |
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|last=Stockert |
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|first=Peter |
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|year=1997 |
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|title=Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 2 |
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|trans_title=The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 2 |
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|language=German |
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|location=Bad Friedrichshall, Germany |
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|publisher=Friedrichshaller Rundblick |
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|isbn=978-3-9802222-9-7 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
}} |
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* {{Cite book |
* {{Cite book |
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|publisher=Biblio-Verlag |
|publisher=Biblio-Verlag |
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|isbn=978-3-7648-2300-9 |
|isbn=978-3-7648-2300-9 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
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* {{Cite book |
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|last=Von Seemen |
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|first=Gerhard |
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|year=1976 |
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|title=Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 : die Ritterkreuzträger sämtlicher Wehrmachtteile, Brillanten-, Schwerter- und Eichenlaubträger in der Reihenfolge der Verleihung : Anhang mit Verleihungsbestimmungen und weiteren Angaben |
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|trans_title=The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 : The Knight's Cross Bearers of All the Armed Services, Diamonds, Swords and Oak Leaves Bearers in the Order of Presentation: Appendix with Further Information and Presentation Requirements |
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|language=German |
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|location=Friedberg, Germany |
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|publisher=Podzun-Verlag |
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|isbn=978-3-7909-0051-4 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
}} |
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* Yerger, Mark C – Waffen SS commanders vol. 2 |
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{{refend}} |
{{refend}} |
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== |
===Further reading=== |
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{{Refbegin}} |
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*[http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de Knight's Cross Holders Database (German language)] |
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* {{Cite book |
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*[http://www.axishistory.com Axis History Factbook] |
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|last=Krätschmer |
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*[http://www.feldgrau.com Feldgrau – The History of the German Armed Forces in WWII] |
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|first=Ernst-Günther |
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*{{Wayback |date=20091027084643 |url=http://geocities.com/~orion47/ |title=Axis Biographical Research }} |
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|year=1999 |
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|title=Die Ritterkreuzträger der Waffen-SS |
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|trans_title=The Knight's Cross Bearers of the Waffen-SS |
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|location=Coburg, Germany |
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|publisher=[[Nation und Europa|Nation Europa Verlag]] |
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|isbn=978-3-920677-43-9 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
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* {{Cite book |
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|last=Lehmann |
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|first=Rudolf |
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|authorlink=Rudolf Lehmann (SS officer) |
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|year=1987 |
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|title=The Leibstandarte |
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|location=Winnipeg, Canada |
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|publisher=J.J. Federowicz |
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|isbn=978-0-921991-01-4 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
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* {{Cite book |
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|last=Meyer |
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|first=Hubert |
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|authorlink=Hubert Meyer |
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|year=2005 |
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|title=The 12th SS : the History of the Hitler Youth Panzer Division |
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|location=Mechanicsburg, PA |
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|publisher=[[Stackpole Books]] |
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|isbn=978-0-8117-3198-0 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
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* {{Cite book |
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|last1=Miller |
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|first1=Michael D. |
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|last2=Schulz |
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|first2=Andreas |
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|title=The SS-Brigadeführer, 1933–1945 |
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|location=Redding, California |
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|publisher=Miller |
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|oclc=767799428 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
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* {{Cite book |
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|last=Yerger |
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|first=Mark C. |
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|year=1999 |
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|title=Waffen-SS commanders. Vol. II : the army, corps and divisional leaders of a legend |
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|location=Atglen, PA |
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|publisher=[[Schiffer Publishing]] |
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|isbn=978-0-7643-0769-0 |
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|ref=harv |
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}} |
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{{Refend}} |
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{{s-start}} |
{{s-start}} |
Revision as of 19:24, 8 December 2015
Fritz Witt | |
---|---|
Born | Hohenlimburg, Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire | 27 May 1908
Died | 14 June 1944 Venoix, Normandy, Occupied France | (aged 36)
Buried | Cimetière militaire allemand de Champigny-St. André Block 8—row 12—grave 1027 |
Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
Service/ | Waffen-SS |
Years of service | 1933–44 |
Rank | Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS |
Service number | NSDAP #816,769 SS #21,518 |
Commands held | 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves |
Fritz Witt (27 May 1908 – 14 June 1944) was a German general in the Waffen-SS, the armed paramilitary branch of the Nazi Party's Schutzstaffel (SS). He served with the 1.SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler before taking command of the 12.SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend. Witt obtained the rank of Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS. He was killed in action in 1944.
Early life – Pre-war SS service
Witt was born on 27 May 1908 in Hohenlimburg, a suburb of the city of Hagen. Witt's family was middle class, his father being employed as a textiles salesman. After attending school Witt followed his father's trade, working as a textiles salesman from 1925 until 1931. During this period of time, he witnessed the rise of Adolf Hitler and the NSDAP, becoming a strong supporter. Witt saw the Nazis as the answer to the chaos and poverty of the Weimar Republic. On 1 December 1931, Witt applied to join both the NSDAP (Nr. 816,769) and the SS (Nr. 21,518). On 17 March 1933, Witt was admitted to the SS-Stabswache Berlin, an élite guard formation of only 117 men. On 1 October 1933, Witt received his commission as an SS-Untersturmführer.
In On 9 May 1934, Witt was promoted to SS-Obersturmführer, and soon after took command of the third company of SS-Standartenführer Felix Steiner's SS-Standarte Deutschland, one of the then-three Standarten which comprised the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT). The other Standarten were the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, SS-Standarte Germania and (from 1938) SS-Standarte Der Führer). In October 1938, the SS-VT was subordinated to Heer command, stepping closer to its future combat role.
Witt's unit, 3./SS-Standarte Deutschland, marched into Austria as part of the Anschluß in 1938. After this, the Standarte was motorised. The Deutschland now took part in the occupation of the Sudetenland. In March 1939, Witt served with the Standarte during the annexation of Bohemia and Moravia. Later, the SS-Standarten were deployed for action during the planned offensive, Fall Weiß. Witt's SS-Standarte (mot) Deutschland was subordinated to Panzer-Verband Kempf, based in East Prussia.
Early war campaigns
On 1 September 1939, at the outbreak of the Second World War, Witt was in command of the 3./SS-Standarte Deutschland. His unit participated in the Invasion of Poland. For personal bravery in combat, Witt was awarded both the first and second classes of the Iron Cross. By October 1939, Witt had attained a rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer and was placed in command of I.Battalion of the Deutschland, redesignated SS-Infanterie-Regiment (mot) Deutschland. In the same month, the SS-Verfügungs-Division was formed and placed under the command of SS-Gruppenführer Paul Hausser.
Witt led his battalion through the Invasion of France. For his actions during the campaign, Witt was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross ([Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help)) on 4 September 1940. On 16 October, Witt was transferred to the Infanterie-Regiment (mot.) Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, where he took command of III. Battalion.
Balkans – Barbarossa
Witt was transferred to command of the Leibstandarte's I.Battalion on 26 March 1941. The Leibstandarte was poised to take place in Operation Marita, the invasion of the Balkans and Greece.
On 10 April, Witt's battalion was reinforced with artillery and a battery of 88mm Flak 18s and renamed Kampfgruppe Witt. The unit was given the task of clearing resistance from the Klidi Pass, just south of Vevi and opening the way to the heart of Greece. The pass was defended by a hastily-assembled Australian-British-New Zealand-Greek force, under an Australian, Maj. Gen. Iven Mackay. Witt's unit was engaged in heavy fighting for three days before the pass fell. Witt's brother, Franz Witt, fell in the fighting.
After the conclusion of the Balkan campaign Witt remained in command of I.Battalion. The Leibstandarte, now upgraded to a division, was to take part in the advance into Russia as a part of Army Group South. Witt's Battalion was first committed to action in August 1941, when the division was transferred to Panzergruppe 1, and engaged in the encirclement battles near Kiev.
Witt's unit now moved south, to join the German 54th Army Corps. On 17 September 1941, the Leibstandarte participated in the offensive to clear the Crimean Peninsula. Witt's battalion took part in the fighting for the town of Perekop, and the later advance across the Perekop Isthmus and the assaults on the Soviet defensive positions near the Tartar Ditch.
In November, the Leibstandarte was transferred back to Panzergruppe 1 and took part in the heavy fighting for the city of Rostov-on-Don. Soviet counterattacks during the winter caused the Germans to fall back to defensive lines on the river Mius. Witt's battalion was engaged in several rearguard actions. On 8 February 1942, Witt was awarded the German Cross in Gold ([Deutsches Kreuz in Gold] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help)) for his bravery during the Rostov battles.
Paris – Kharkov
In the early months of 1942, Witt's battalion continued defensive actions along the Mius. In May 1942, the division went back on the offensive and Witt's battalion was again committed to action in the recapture of Rostov-on-Don. The city fell after over a month's heavy fighting and the division was ordered back to France to rest and refit. In July 1942 Witt was awarded the Order of the Star of Romania, Officer Class with Swords on the Ribbon of Military Virtue, and the Bulgarian Military Order for Bravery in War 4th Class, 1st Grade.
The Leibstandarte was to be reformed as a Panzergrenadier division. For refitting and training, the division was ordered to the Normandy area in Northern France. In August, Witt was promoted to SS-Standartenführer and given command of the Leibstandarte's 1st SS Panzergrenadier Regiment. Witt and the division spent the remainder of 1942 resting and refitting in France.
In January 1943, the reformed SS Panzergrenadier Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, together with the SS Panzergrenadier Division Das Reich and the SS Panzergrenadier Division Totenkopf, was formed into the SS Panzer Corps. The SS Panzer Corps, commanded by Paul Hausser, was sent east to Kharkov to join Erich von Manstein's Army Group Don which was attempting to halt the Soviet advance after the 6th Army's defeat in the Battle of Stalingrad.
Witt's 1st SS Panzergrenadier Regiment was stationed in the outskirts of Kharkov, and in early February engaged the Soviet Mobile Group Popov. At the town of Merefa, Witt's regiment, fighting alongside 1st Battalion/1st SS Panzer Regiment, fought a delaying action on 8–9 February. Fearing encirclement, Hausser authorised a full withdrawal from Kharkov.
In early March, Witt's regiment took part in the Third Battle of Kharkov. Witt's force was reinforced with tanks, artillery and assault guns, and was given the task of attacking from the north. The force, renamed Kampfgruppe Witt, was to form one of three pincers against Mobile Group Popov and to participate in the recapture of Kharkov.
The attack got underway on 2 March, and by 10 March Witt's unit reached the suburbs of Kharkov. By 16 March, Kharkov was retaken. The division was pulled back to rest and refit. For his actions, Witt was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves ([Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help)) and promoted to the rank SS-Oberführer.
Hitlerjugend command
In February 1943, the SS had begun formation of a new Waffen-SS division composed primarily from Hitler Youth members born in 1926. The division was designated 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend. To provide officers for this new division, a number of Leibstandarte officers and NCOs were transferred, including Witt. On 1 July 1943, Witt was promoted to SS-Oberführer, and at the end of the month he was officially given command of the Hitlerjugend division. Witt took over the divisional command at Beverloo in occupied Belgium and oversaw the formation and training of a new SS Panzer Division.
In March 1944, OB West, Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt and I SS Panzer Corps commander SS-Obergruppenführer Josef Dietrich visited the division's training grounds. Based on the results of the inspection, they deemed the division to be combat ready soon and ordered its transfer to Normandy where the division was to join Panzergruppe West, Rundstedt's armoured reserve.
On 20 April 1944, Witt was promoted to SS-Brigadeführer und Generalmajor der SS. Witt continued training exercises for his division, allowing his troops to familiarise themselves with the terrain around Caen. On 2 June, Hitlerjugend division was ready for combat.
Normandy invasion
On 6 June 1944, the Western Allies launched Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy. Witt's Division, along with the 21st Panzer Division, was the closest armoured unit to the landing beaches. Because the unit had to wait for Hitler's personal authorisation, it did not move out until 14:30 on 6 June. The division's advance to the areas near Sword and Juno Beaches proceeded slowly due to the Allied air attacks. Witt ordered his division to form up north of Caen, defending the city and the Carpiquet Aerodrome.
On 7 June, 25th SS Panzergrenadier Regiment, along with the 2nd Battalion from 12th SS Panzer Regiment, attacked the advancing 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. The 12th SS fell short of their objective, which was to push back the allies to the sea, but they did delay the Allied advance north of Caen.
On 14 June, a British naval barrage hit the divisional command post in Venoix, killing Witt instantly. Witt was buried with full military honours at Champigny—Saint-André-de-l'Eure in France.
Summary of SS career
Dates of rank
9 May 1934: | SS-Obersturmführer |
1 June 1935: | SS-Hauptsturmführer[1] |
17 May 1940: | SS-Sturmbannführer[2] |
27 November 1941: | SS-Obersturmbannführer[3] |
30 January 1943: | SS-Standartenführer[3] |
1 July 1943: | SS-Oberführer[4] |
20 April 1944: | SS-Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS[5] |
Decorations
- Iron Cross (1939)
- German Cross in Gold on 8 February 1942 as SS-Obersturmbannführer in the SS-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"[7]
- Eastern Front Medal (1942)
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
- Knight's Cross on 4 September 1940 as SS-Sturmbannführer and commander of the I./SS-Infanterie-Regiment "Deutschland"[8][9][Note 1]
- 200th Oak Leaves on 1 March 1943 as SS-Standartenführer and commander of SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1 "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"[10][11][12]
- Waffen-SS Long Service Award (1941)
- Steaua Romaniei (1943)
Notes
References
Citations
- ^ Stockert 1997, p. 389.
- ^ Stockert 1997, p. 390.
- ^ a b Stockert 1997, p. 392.
- ^ Stockert 1997, p. 394.
- ^ Stockert 1997, p. 395.
- ^ a b Thomas 1998, p. 450.
- ^ Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 518.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 449.
- ^ Von Seemen 1976, p. 362.
- ^ a b Scherzer 2007, p. 791.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 66.
- ^ Von Seemen 1976, p. 33.
Bibliography
- Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help); Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - Patzwall, Klaus D.; Scherzer, Veit (2001). Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-45-8.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help); Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help); Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - Stockert, Peter (1997). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 2 (in German). Bad Friedrichshall, Germany: Friedrichshaller Rundblick. ISBN 978-3-9802222-9-7.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help); Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - Thomas, Franz (1998). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 2: L–Z (in German). Osnabrück, Germany: Biblio-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7648-2300-9.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help); Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - Von Seemen, Gerhard (1976). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 : die Ritterkreuzträger sämtlicher Wehrmachtteile, Brillanten-, Schwerter- und Eichenlaubträger in der Reihenfolge der Verleihung : Anhang mit Verleihungsbestimmungen und weiteren Angaben (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7909-0051-4.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help); Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help)
Further reading
- Krätschmer, Ernst-Günther (1999). Die Ritterkreuzträger der Waffen-SS. Coburg, Germany: Nation Europa Verlag. ISBN 978-3-920677-43-9.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help); Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - Lehmann, Rudolf (1987). The Leibstandarte. Winnipeg, Canada: J.J. Federowicz. ISBN 978-0-921991-01-4.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Meyer, Hubert (2005). The 12th SS : the History of the Hitler Youth Panzer Division. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-3198-0.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Miller, Michael D.; Schulz, Andreas. The SS-Brigadeführer, 1933–1945. Redding, California: Miller. OCLC 767799428.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Yerger, Mark C. (1999). Waffen-SS commanders. Vol. II : the army, corps and divisional leaders of a legend. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7643-0769-0.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help)
Template:KCwithOL Template:Knight's Cross recipients of the 2nd SS PD Template:Knight's Cross recipients of the 1st SS PD